Because it contains its share of memorable and inspired material -- and even a few gems -- it seems inappropriate to call
Tina Turner's
Break Every Rule a disappointment. But because
Private Dancer was so incredible a comeback, one greeted this anxiously awaited follow-up with such high expectations that anything less than outstanding would have been disappointing. And the album isn't outstanding -- it's generally quite enjoyable and far from weak -- but not outstanding. Be that as it may, there's a lot to savor here. "Two People" is forgettable, but
Turner definitely has some gems in the power ballad "I'll Be Thunder," the driving rocker "Back Where You Started" and the haunting
David Bowie piece "Girls." While
Private Dancer would be a much better introduction to
Turner's work as a solo artist, this has more pluses than minuses. ~ Alex Henderson